Interview with Actress Jossara Jinaro

Jossara Jinaro

Jossara Jinaro is an award-winning actress and a fantastic talent. She is a producer, director, voice actor, and choreographer. She has appeared in numerous TV shows, including recurring roles in Judging Amy, ¡Viva Vegas!, Passions, American Family and East Los High. She is in two films released this year, Gaia and Lost and Found. Among her other films are Collateral Damage and The Devil’s Rejects. She also has worked with Oliver Stone in the movie World Trade Center.

We are so happy that she spent a few minutes for a Q&A session. I mean, besides her ability, she appreciates David Lynch and has worked with Rob Zombie as a cast member of The Devil’s Rejects. What is there not to love?

Why did you get into acting?

I was an only child for the first four years and during this time I had two imaginary friends. I was so committed that I can still remember what they looked like and how we played together. I think it was a way for me to escape to my own world where anything was possible. Acting is a place where I can be and do anything with no limitations. I feel powerful and free. It is like being able to cross over to millions of other dimensions and living that truth for that moment.

Which of your work\accomplishments are you most proud of?

I love this quote “A painting is never finished – it simply stops in interesting places.” I always put 110% into every role but I never feel like it’s finished. I feel like there are never-ending questions I still need to ask and discover. That being said when I was a sophomore in College I auditioned for the musical Chicago and after many callbacks, someone else got the role. This stayed with me until I took on an independent study my senior year. I got the rights from Samuel French, I produced, choreographed, and got to play my Velma Kelly. I’m proud of this because it gave me the backbone to withstand treacherous road of being a professional actress.

You were the executive director for Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Has the Trump administration made this more difficult? Do you care to share an opinion on his policies?

I loved my time at HOPE. I reported to a board of professional Latinas who volunteered their time to groom, help, and shape future Latinas in politics. I was surrounded by forward-thinking, positive and powerful women. The organization is nonpartisan and it is a place where all Latinas in politics come together to make a difference. Honestly, it makes me sad that the current administration makes it difficult for everyone to stay together.

We are a fan of Rob Zombie, what was it like working with him in The Devil’s Rejects?

Rob Zombie was a very thoughtful director. He walks over to you, looks into your eyes and in a soft-toned voice discusses the scene with you. He asks a lot of questions, walks away and lets you find the answers while the camera is rolling. I felt he is a consummate artist who loves and respects other artists.

We do a lot of articles on cult films like Harold and Maude, The Room or Eraserhead. Is there a cult film that you like?

I love BLUE VELVET. The first time I saw this film I fell in love with David Lynch’s work. These kind of stories that uncover truths about humanity are most interesting to me.

Besides acting, you are also a producer\director. How does this compare to acting and what made you decide to add this to your talents?

I love story-telling. I used to direct and orchestrate full-on productions with my little brothers and sisters in our living room. I think being a producer is like putting together jam sessions with other artists where I get to jump in as a director or an actress and make awesome music.

Are there any future projects you would like our readers to know about?

My partner and I have a story we want to tell that is based on true events. This story is about a woman that against all odds in a man’s world she is able to find redemption. I think it is a beautiful and powerful female-driven story. We’re in the process of securing funding for the film. We can’t wait to get started.

In closing, are you truly loved? (Most Important Question)

I never knew the answer to this question until I became a Mother 4 years ago. My 4-year-old will stop in the middle of playing at the playground, playing with his toys, or while watching PAW PATROL in the car and say “Mama? I love you. I love you sooooo much.” His love is so pure and unconditional. Yes. I am truly loved!